MAKERERE UNIVERSITY, Uganda — A student-led initiative, the Makerere Debating Union, held its Inter-college Debate Tournament on April 11-12, 2025, aiming to cultivate confident, articulate leaders who will drive positive societal change.
The tournament featured three preliminary rounds covering democracy and youth participation in politics, inequality and wealth distribution, and the ban on raw material exports. The semi-final round focused on apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, and the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. All colleges, including the Jinja Campus, participated.
Organizers said the topics were chosen to equip future leaders with 21st-century skills in self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They emphasized Makerere University’s role in nurturing the next generation of leaders to navigate an evolving world.
The debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation, empowering future leaders through respectful discourse and the development of critical thinking and communication skills. Organizers envision a lasting impact on students by exposing them to topical issues that can shape transformative leaders.
After two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law emerged as the tournament winners. Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity was named Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah, the Debate Union’s 91st Guild Representative Councils, Akatwijuka Arthur, the Debate Union Chairperson, and Debate Union Representatives from various colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union for the event.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Derrick Baluuku encouraged young people to step out of their comfort zones and develop solutions to inspire change in their communities.
